Indian golf looks in the pink of health. The way the two ladies, Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar, fired in the 2023 season, there is every possibility both could be representing India at the Paris Olympics this year. In addition, at least three male golfers are also in the mix for the Summer Games, the way rankings stand at present.
The big differences between qualification in a team sport and an individual one are interesting. For example, the Indian men’s hockey team made the cut for Paris by winning gold at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year. Superstar Neeraj Chopra also qualified for Paris 2024, while in shooting, India have clinched 19 quota places till now. Eventually, which shooters get cleared by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) will depend on two trials to be held later this year in New Delhi and Bhopal.
For Diksha, the race to qualify for the Paris Olympics is not an easy one. Yes, she does get funding from TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) and also has support from corporates. However, that does not mean she can relax and not be competing in professional events in the lead-up to Paris.
In an exclusive chat with RevSportz from the Magical Ladies Kenya Open at Vipingo Ridge, Mombasa, Kenya, Diksha spoke on her plans for 2024. Having won the prestigious Arjuna Award recently, she was upbeat.
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RevSportz: In 2024, how many tournaments have you planned to compete in, leading up to the Paris Olympics?
Diksha: I will follow the Ladies’ European tour circuit, which would have events in Africa and Australia. Closer to the Olympics, I will look at events in Europe.
In view of everything, a combination of factors, I also have to look at it as a professional golfer. I am going about things in a different way in 2024. This a slightly tougher way and year for me, and there are a lot of complexities involved.
RevSportz: What do you think is the biggest and correct preparation for Paris? Can you explain as to where you would like to be ranked before the cut-off for the Olympics?
Diksha: Golf being an individual sport, it has its own unique challenge. In my sport, it’s totally on us as players to go about doing the right things. So, we have the freedom, which is good. Also, I appreciate and acknowledge the positivity and support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), TOPS and the Sports Ministry – it’s really great. For me, it would not matter much as to where in the rankings we qualify for Olympics. What’s more important is to be in good form and preparation.
RevSportz: The entire Indian sporting system is gearing up for the Olympics. Your thoughts?
Diksha: It’s a very exciting thing to be part of the biggest sporting extravaganza where India has started to show its presence in the form of medals and performances. We have a decent golf team which has the potential to do well. Efforts by the government and SAI are praiseworthy. Also, the support coming from corporates especially Hero MotoCorp in golf, is important.
RevSportz: There could be two Indian lady golfers in Paris. How does it feel?
Diksha: It is really great to be utilising the maximum qualification numbers outside top 15 in world. I am super happy to have this very strong possibility of making a second appearance at the Olympics, Aditi (Ashok) and Anirban (Lahiri) being the only ones to have this possibility of making it a hat-trick.
RevSportz: Do you think some of the men will also make the cut from India for Paris?
Diksha: For sure, we have, right now, three Indian men inside the dynamic cut-off rankings, of which the two best-ranked golfers will represent India (in Paris).
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RevSportz: How important is physical preparation and the right mental focus in this big year?
Diksha: It is very important to get back physically and mentally in the thick of things. Fortunately, I have time to regroup and organise myself over the next six months. Indeed, there are a lot of distractions that we have to deal with, including health and injuries. I am taking all possible support and help to keep improving my physical health. Coming from an Army family, I feel quite confident about the mental side.
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